1 Now it happened in those days that a decree was sent out from Caesar Augustus [the Emperor of the Roman Empire] requiring [people from] the whole empire to be registered [i.e., for taxation purposes].
1 Now in those days a decree went out from (A)Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of (B)all (a)the inhabited earth.
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus(a)(A) that the whole empire(b) should be registered.
1 Now in those days an order was published by Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be registered.
3 And everyone went to register in his own home town.
3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
3 So all the people went to their hometowns to be registered.
4 So, Joseph also went from the Galilean town of Nazareth to David's town, which was the Judean town of Bethlehem, because he was among the descendants and family of David.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because (D)he was of the house and family of David,
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David,(C)
4 Joseph, too, went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the City of David (called Bethlehem), because he was a descendant of the household and family of David.
5 [He went] to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him and who was pregnant [at the time].
5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
5 He went there to be registered with Mary, who had been promised to him in marriage and was pregnant.
6 And it happened while they were there that the due date came for her to have the baby.
6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
6 While they were there, the time came for her to have her baby,
7 So, she bore her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in [linen] cloths and laid Him in an animal's feeding trough because there was no room for them in the lodge.
7 And she (E)gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a (d)manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place.
7 and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no place for them in the guest quarters.
8 Now there were [some] shepherds in that region who were living in the fields and guarding their flocks [of sheep] at night.
8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, watching their flock during the night.
9 [Suddenly] an angel from the Lord [was seen] standing near them and the glorious presence of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
9 And (F)an angel of the Lord suddenly (G)stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
9 Then an angel of the Lord(D) stood before(e) them,(E) and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.(f)
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for look, I am bringing good news that will cause great joy to all people.
10 But the angel said to them, “(H)Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid,(F) for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:(g)
10 Then the angel told them, "Stop being afraid! Listen! I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.
11 For a Savior has been born today in David's city [i.e., Bethlehem], who is Christ the Lord [i.e., God's specially chosen one].
11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a (I)Savior, who is (e)(J)Christ (K)the Lord.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
11 Today your Savior, the Lord Messiah, was born in the City of David.
12 And this is the sign [that will verify it] to you: You will find a baby wrapped in [linen] cloths lying in an animal's feeding trough."
12 (L)This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a (f)manger.”
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
12 This will be the sign for you:(J) You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”
12 And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough."
13 Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly "army" [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying,
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
13 Suddenly, a multitude of the Heavenly Army appeared with the angel, praising God by saying,
15 And it happened when the angels left them and returned to heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem now and see what all happened that the Lord told us about."
15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone back to heaven, the shepherds told one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see what has taken place that the Lord has told us about."
16 So, they went quickly and found both Mary and Joseph with the baby, lying in the animal's feeding trough.
16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the (h)manger.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough.
16 So they went quickly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby, who was lying in the feeding trough.
17 And when they saw this, they told [everyone] what the angel had said about this baby.
17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child,
17 When they saw this, they repeated what they had been told about this child.
18 And all who heard it marveled at the things the shepherds told them.
18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
20 Then the shepherds returned [to their fields], honoring and praising God for everything they had heard and seen, for it all happened just as they had been told.
20 The shepherds went back, (P)glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God(O) for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.
20 Then the shepherds returned to their flock, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
21 Eight days later it was time to circumcise Jesus [i.e., to perform the Jewish rite of identity, signifying the responsibility to observe the law of Moses], and they named Him Jesus, which was the name given by the angel before He was [even] conceived.
21 And when (Q)eight days had passed, (i)before His circumcision, (R)His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
21 When the eight days were completed for His circumcision,(P) He was named Jesus(Q)—the name given by the angel before He was conceived.(k)
21 After eight days had passed, the infant was circumcised and named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 Then when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed [Note: This was a set procedure required for a Jewish mother on the birth of a child. See Lev. 12:1-8], Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.
22 (S)And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished,(R) they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
22 When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,
23 (It is recorded in the law of the Lord [Ex. 13:2, 12] that every firstborn male child be considered holy [i.e., specially dedicated] to the Lord.)
23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “(T)Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male(l) will be dedicated(m) to the Lord(S)(n))
23 as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn son is to be designated as holy to the Lord."
24 They came to offer a sacrifice of two doves or two young pigeons, in accordance with what is written in the law of Moses.
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “(U)A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons(T)(o)).
24 They also offered a sacrifice according to what is specified in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
25 Now there was a righteous and devoted man named Simeon at Jerusalem, who was expecting the consolation of the Israelites [i.e., the coming of the Messiah to save them], and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was (V)righteous and devout, (W)looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout,(U) looking forward to Israel’s consolation,(p)(V) and the Holy Spirit was on him.
25 Now a man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. This man was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 Now it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ [i.e., God's, specially chosen one].
26 And (X)it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not (Y)see death before he had seen the Lord’s (j)Christ.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit(W) that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.(X)
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah.
27 And he was led by the Holy Spirit into the Temple, and when Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus in, so they could do to Him what was customary under the law of Moses,
27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, (k)(Z)to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered(q) the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law,
27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the Law,
28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms, praised God and said,
28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:
28 Simeon took the infant in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 "Master, you may now allow your servant to be released [i.e., die] in peace, according to what you said.
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
29 Now, Master,You can dismiss Your slave in peace,as You promised.
29 "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace according to your promise,
31 which [i.e., whom] you have prepared before all people [i.e., for their benefit],
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
31 You have prepared itin the presence of all peoples—
31 which you prepared for all people to see
32 [to be] a light for revealing [God's way of salvation] to the [unconverted] Gentiles, and a [source of] glory to your people, the Israelites."
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
32 a light that will reveal salvation to unbelievers and bring glory to your people Israel."
34 Then Simeon [asked God to] bless them and said to Jesus' mother Mary, "Look, many Israelites will be caused to fall [i.e., into spiritual ruin] or rise [i.e., to spiritual renewal] because of Him. And [He will be] a 'sign' [for people] to speak against,
34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary (AE)His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for (AF)the fall and (m)rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
34 Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel(AB) and to be a sign that will be opposed(t)—
34 Then Simeon blessed them and told Mary, his mother, "This infant is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and rise. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed.
35 and thus reveal the thoughts of many hearts. Yes, and a sword will cut you [Mary] to the heart [i.e., causing you inward pain]."
35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed."
36 And there was a woman prophet named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher [i.e., she was a descendant of one of Jacob's son]. (She was very old, having lived with her husband for [only] seven years after being married,
36 And there was a (AG)prophetess, (n)Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of (AH)the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in (o)years (AI)and had lived with her husband seven years after her (p)marriage,
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
36 There was also a prophetess,(AC) Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.(AD) She was well along in years,(v) having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,(w)(AE)
36 Now Anna, a prophetess, was also there. She was a descendant of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage,
37 and has been a widow [all these years], and is now eighty-four years old.) She has never left the Temple, but worships [God] by fasting [i.e., going without food and/or water for religious reasons] and praying night and day.
37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with (AJ)fastings and prayers.
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
37 and was a widow for 84 years.(x) She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.(AF)
37 and then as a widow for 84 years. She never left the Temple, but continued to worship there night and day with times of fasting and prayer.
38 She came forward at that very time and thanked God [in prayer] and spoke about the child [Jesus] to everyone [in the Temple area] who was expecting the redemption of the people of Jerusalem [i.e., their liberation from sin].
38 At that very (q)moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were (AK)looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
38 At that very moment,(y) she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.(z)(AG)
38 Just then she came forward and began to thank God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 So, when Joseph and Mary had completed everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their [current home] town of Nazareth, in Galilee.
39 When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to (AL)their own city of Nazareth.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.(AH)
39 After doing everything required by the Law of the Lord, Joseph and Mary returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee.
40 And the child [i.e., Jesus] grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom and God's favor was upon Him.
40 (AM)The Child continued to grow and become strong, (r)increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
40 Meanwhile, the child continued to grow and to become strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God's favor rested upon him.
41 Now Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem every year to attend the Passover Festival. [Note: This was the annual Jewish festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage under Moses' leadership].
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
41 Every year Jesus' parents would go to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.
42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they [all] went up to the Festival as usual.
42 And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to the festival as usual.
43 And when they had completed [all] the days [of festivities], and were returning [home], the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this,
43 and as they were returning, after spending the (AO)full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it,
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
43 After those days were over,(AL) as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents(aa) did not know it.
43 When the days of the festival were over, they left for home. The young man Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.
44 so thinking He was in the caravan, they continued traveling for an entire day [before] they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends.
44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
44 Assuming He was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends.
44 They thought that he was in their group of travelers. After traveling for a day, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.
45 And when they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for Him.
45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him.
45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching desperately for him.
46 And it happened after three days that they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the middle of the [Jewish] teachers, listening to them and asking questions.
46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
46 After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
46 Three days later, they found him in the Temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and posing questions to them.
47 And all of them who heard Him were amazed at His understanding [i.e., of spiritual matters] and His answers [to questions they would ask Him].
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
47 And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.
47 All who heard him were amazed at his intelligence and his answers.
48 When His parents [finally] saw Him, they were very surprised and His mother asked Him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Look, your [step-] father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and (AQ)His mother said to Him, “(s)Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, (AR)Your father and I (t)have been anxiously looking for You.”
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
48 When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him,(AM) “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”(AN)
48 When Jesus' parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother asked him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you!"
49 And He replied to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I had to be in my Father's house [i.e., the Temple]?"
49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that (AS)I had to be in My Father’s (u)house?”
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
49 “Why were you searching for Me?” He asked them. “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”(ab)
49 He asked them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?"
51 So, Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and [continued] to obey them. And His mother kept all these things [stored up] in her heart.
51 And He went down with them and came to (AU)Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and (AV)His mother (AW)treasured all these (w)things in her heart.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart.(AP)
51 Then he went back with them, returning to Nazareth and remaining in submission to them. His mother continued to treasure all these things in her heart.
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